Noakhali end six-match losing streak with win over Rangpur

Newcomers Noakhali Express finally opened their account in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20, snapping a six-match losing streak with a dramatic nine-run victory over Rangpur Riders at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Chasing 149, Rangpur appeared firmly in control at 100 for three in the 15th over before Noakhali mounted a remarkable comeback, claiming six wickets for just 39 runs to restrict the Riders to 139 for nine.

Iftikhar Ahmed top-scored with 37 off 31 balls, while Khushdil Shah offered late resistance with 24 off 16 deliveries before being dismissed off the first ball of the final over.

Pacer Hasan Mahmud starred for Noakhali, returning outstanding figures of four for 26. He claimed three wickets in the final over while defending 14 runs to seal the memorable win.

Despite the victory, Noakhali remain at the bottom of the table with two points, although the result keeps their slim tournament hopes alive. Rangpur stayed second with eight points from six matches.

Earlier, Noakhali failed to fully capitalise on a promising start after being sent in to bat. Habibur Rahman Sohan struck a brisk 30 off 16 balls, while Soumya Sarkar and Jaker Ali added 31 and 38 respectively. However, Rangpur fought back strongly as Mustafizur Rahman picked up three for 18 and Mrittunjoy Chowdhury claimed a hat-trick in the final over -- his second in BPL history -- to bowl Noakhali out for 148 in 19.5 overs.